10/22/2026
Why You Hire the BEST Photographer You Can
Don’t hold your breath, because here they come! Seven reasons why you should hire the very best photographer you can find.
NUMBER ONE: VISION.
I think a photographer has to have vision. You have to be able to look at something and immediately think, I know exactly what I want to do with that.
When I saw Scarlett’s dress, with all those beautiful colors, I knew exactly where I wanted to photograph her.
There is a patch of lantana still blooming on High Street, and I knew those flowers would be perfect with her dress.
The sun wasn’t quite low enough, so we waited.
And that’s okay. We had time.
And I gave her my coat.
Sometimes the difference between a good photograph and an extraordinary one is simply knowing what you want and having the patience to wait for it.
NUMBER TWO: KNOW HOW TO PRINT A PHOTOGRAPH.
You want a photographer who understands the finished product.
If your photographer doesn’t understand color calibration, color correction, professional printing, and how to work with a professional print lab to get the very best result, you’ve already lost half the battle.
Taking the photograph is only part of the job.
Knowing how to turn that photograph into a beautiful piece of art is the other half.
NUMBER THREE: PLEASE, NOT JUST A THUMB DRIVE.
You don’t want a photographer who simply hands you a thumb drive and sends you on your way.
Because exactly what are you going to do with that?
I’ll tell you what you’re probably NOT going to do.
You’re probably not going to make beautiful, professionally finished prints.
Those files are going to sit in a drawer, on a computer, or somewhere in the mysterious cloud.
And twenty years from now, when you want to look at those photographs, where will they be?
I believe photographs deserve to be seen, held, framed, and enjoyed.
NUMBER FOUR: PROFESSIONAL PRINTS ARE MADE TO LAST.
A properly produced professional photographic print, cared for correctly, can last a lifetime and beyond.
But there are a few rules.
Don’t hang it in direct sunlight.
Don’t put it in a bright window.
Don’t get it wet.
Don’t sit on it.
And for heaven’s sake, don’t let the dog eat it.
Yes. These things happen.
NUMBER FIVE: UNDERSTAND YOUR SENIORS.
I think one of the most important things about photographing high school seniors is understanding what they’re thinking.
And somehow, I can do that.
I can usually tell when they’re nervous, when they’re uncomfortable, when they’re trying too hard, or when they’re finally relaxing and being themselves.
My husband says I’m the Senior Whisperer.
Now, I’m not entirely sure whether he means that because of my age or because of my relationship with high school seniors.
It had BETTER be the second one.
NUMBER SIX: KNOW YOUR LIGHTING.
I have absolutely no idea what number I’m on at this point, but let’s call this number six.
Your photographer should know lighting.
Studio lighting.
Outdoor lighting.
Harsh midday sunlight.
Beautiful evening light.
Dim light.
After-dark lighting.
And everything in between.
A professional photographer should understand how to create beautiful images under all kinds of conditions, not just when Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
Because if they don’t understand lighting, you may not get what you thought you were paying for.
NUMBER SEVEN: LOOK AT THEIR WORK. ALL OF IT.
And listen to me on this one.
When you’re interviewing a photographer to capture something as important as your child’s senior year, their last year at home before life changes for everyone, please ask to see a complete portfolio.
Not just three or four pretty pictures.
A complete body of work.
You want to know that the photographer can consistently produce beautiful portraits, not just get lucky once in a while.
And here’s something else.
Some photographers have actually used other photographers’ work to advertise their businesses.
It’s happened to me.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered my work being used by another photographer in Oklahoma.
And I was right here in Virginia!
So please, know whose work you’re actually looking at.
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AND ONE LAST THING BEFORE I END MY TED TALK.
Facebook has throttled down the reach of business pages to the point that sometimes I wonder whether anybody sees anything we post anymore.
So when you see something from a small business you enjoy, please take a second to LIKE it.
COMMENT on it.
SHARE it.
ENGAGE with it.
It really does matter.
Small businesses don’t have enormous advertising budgets. We depend on people who appreciate what we do to help other people find us.
And to those of you who have supported me, trusted me with your children, and allowed me to create something beautiful for your families over the years, thank you.
I never take that trust lightly.
Okay. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
